A guide to eco-friendly tyres

Monday 23rd February 2026

All tyres are made from a combination of rubber, fabric, wire, carbon and other chemical compounds. So, what makes some tyres more eco?friendly than others? Our guide explains what sets eco tyres apart and why they’re a smarter, greener choice.

What are eco-friendly tyres?

Eco?friendly tyres, sometimes referred to as green tyres, are designed to reduce the carbon footprint of your vehicle. They are produced using more sustainably sourced materials and engineered to improve efficiency, helping drivers lower their environmental impact.

What are eco-friendly tyres made from?

Although traditional and eco?friendly tyres share many core materials, the difference lies in the way those materials are sourced and processed.

Higher levels of sustainable natural rubber

Conventional tyres use a blend of synthetic and natural rubber. Eco tyres tend to increase the proportion of natural rubber from certified, sustainable plantations. Natural rubber is renewable and has a lower carbon footprint compared to its synthetic counterparts.

Silica-rich compounds

Eco tyres replace petroleum?based carbon black fillers with silica compounds. Silica improves wet grip and lowers fuel consumption by reducing rolling resistance. It can also be derived from rice husk ash, a by?product of agriculture, giving waste material a useful second life.

Recycled materials

Some manufacturers incorporate reclaimed rubber, steel and polyester into their tyres. Several also operate take?back schemes, allowing worn tyres to be returned and repurposed within their own recycling processes.

Plant-based oils

Eco tyres often reduce petroleum?based processing oils, using plant?derived alternatives such as sunflower or rapeseed oil instead. This cuts reliance on fossil fuels and supports more sustainable production.

How do eco?friendly tyres reduce environmental impact?

Eco tyres are designed to maintain their shape more effectively. This reduces energy loss, improves fuel economy in petrol and diesel vehicles and extends driving range in electric vehicles.

Lower rolling resistance also means less friction, which slows the rate of tread wear. As a result, eco tyres may last longer, reducing waste and the resources needed for replacement tyres.